Health, social comparisons, and psychological well-being: Their cross-time relationships

Author(s): Ryff, C. D.

Journal/Book: J Adult Development. 1995; 2: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013. Plenum Publ Corp. 173-186.

Abstract: The purposes of this short-term longitudinal study were to investigate (a) stability and change in social comparisons across time; (b) the relationship between physical health and the use of social comparisons across time; (c) whether psychological well-being is best predicted by prior or concurrent social comparisons; and (d) the moderating effects of social comparisons. Community-dwelling: elderly women (N = 149) completed self-report instruments designed to measure social comparisons, psychological well-being, and physical health at two times, 2 years apart. Worse health at Time 1 predicted more frequent and less positive social comparisons at Time 2. Concurrent, but not prior, social comparisons contributed to a number of domains of psychological well-being. Further, the effects of prior health status on subsequent psychological functioning (Time 2) were moderated by social comparison processes. Women in poorest health who engaged in positive social comparisons showed less depression and anxiety and more positive relations with others at Time 2. Little support was found for the influence of prior psychological functioning on subsequent physical health.

Note: Article SM Heidrich, Univ Wisconsin, Sch Nursing, 575 Cunningham Hall, Milwaukee, WI 53201 USA

Keyword(s): health; social comparisons; psychological well-being; DEPRESSION; SELF; LIFE

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